Though it’s difficult to overestimate the importance of Sunday’s victory, the Russian team management makes no secret that their main goal is Vancouver 2010 gold.

Before the Winter Olympics 2010 "it was important for us to show that we are stronger than Canada," Russia's head coach Vyacheslav Bykov told Itar-Tass after the game.

"This victory is crucial before Vancouver. We showed that we are a team that can win," Bykov said before adding: "We deliberately gave away the initiative to Canada in the second and third periods. We were sure about the success of our defensive ice hockey," the Russian head coach said.

Russia’s Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko says yet another victory over Canada could mean another Red Machine era in the sport.

"This means a great deal to the country. This is not a one-time victory, we have returned to the leadership of world hockey," Mutko told RIA.

However, one of Canada’s leaders, Dany Heatley, doesn’t subscribe to this point of view.

"I don’t think this is a dynasty for them by any means," he is quoted on the IIHF official website. "They have some good young players, but so do we. We have some of the best young players in the world in Canada, especially the young guys coming up. It will be a good rivalry for years to come."

One thing is known for sure – it will be a different story in Vancouver 2010. While Canada keeps on saying they are eager to take revenge for their recent losses, Russia will by no means be weaker than in 2008 or 2009. With NHL superstars like Ovechkin, Semin, Malkin, Datsyuk, Nabokov, and a number of other top class players ready to reinforce the World Champions, Russia-2010 will be a really tough team to beat.

But for the time being, for the Russian players and millions of their fans around the globe, Vancouver is a far-off destination to think about, as they rejoice and enjoy their well-deserved return to the leadership of world hockey.